Alderman Zielinski to host Art Stop Unveiling event Friday

Alderman Tony Zielinski invites Milwaukee residents to attend the unveiling of the Art Stop on Friday, October 3 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at S. Kinnickinnic Ave. and E. Lincoln Ave. The ceremony will also include Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic.

The Public Art Bus Shelter, to be maintained by Business Improvement District #44 along S. Kinnickinnic Ave., is designed to provide mood lighting for the area, powered entirely by renewable energy, while serving as an iconic and recognizable gateway to the Bay View neighborhood.

“This is going to be an exciting day for the Kinnickinnic Avenue Business Improvement District and Bay View, and I am looking forward to hosting the unveiling event for such a spectacular signature public art structure,” Alderman Zielinski said.

Chairwoman Dimitrijevic said the Art Stop is an excellent example of a public space being improved and transformed for the public good. “This is another case of the city and county partnering together to improve Bay View, all while providing unique public art which adds value to our neighborhood and daily life,” she said.

“The ArtStop Shelter in Bay View is another great example of an innovative and creative approach to beautifying our neighborhoods, while also providing a functional transit shelter,” Mayor Barrett said. “With collaboration at every level, the project demonstrated a true commitment to the neighborhood and the environment.”

Alderman Zielinski said several businesses located within one block of the Art Stop will have limited-time, special offers and discounts to celebrate Friday evening’s unveiling festivities. There will also be live music provided by the Ethan Keller Group.

Lee Barczak, president of BID 44, said his group welcomes the addition of the Art Stop shelter to the iconic confluence of streets. “The KK BID is incredibly proud of this one-of-a-kind public art bus shelter,” Barczak said. “This important element of the BID’s streetscape improvements is part of what makes this a great place to do business. I hope it’s just one of many new landmarks to grace Bay View.”

The overwhelming majority of funding for the Art Stop came from the generous bequest of the late David John Dombrowski, a 30-year employee of the city’s Department of Public Works. Milwaukee County, the Milwaukee Arts Board, Milwaukee Shines and local business owner Paresh Patel also contributed.

A plaque at the shelter will commemorate the generous gift of Mr. Dombrowski, who lived in Bay View.